Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club Safeguarding Policy
1. Introduction and Commitment
Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club acknowledges its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of every child and young person connected with the club. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all. Recognizing that individuals aged 16/17 years are legally defined as children, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.
We subscribe to The Football Association’s (The FA) Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures and endorse the following key principles:
- The welfare of the child is the paramount consideration.
- All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse, regardless of their age, gender, race, or other characteristics.
- All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
- Working in partnership with others is essential for the welfare of the children and young people involved in football.
This responsibility extends to every adult involved in our club.
2. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities
Our club plays a role in safeguarding by protecting children and young people from harm. This responsibility applies to everyone in football, whether in a paid or voluntary capacity. We follow The FA’s Safeguarding Children Regulations, which are outlined in The FA Handbook.
3. Safer Recruitment
We endorse and adopt The FA’s Safer Recruitment guidelines, which include:
- Clearly specifying roles and tasks.
- Requesting identification documents.
- Conducting meetings or interviews with applicants.
- Following up with references before making appointments.
- Requiring an FA-accepted DBS enhanced check for eligible roles.
All members working with children and young people must hold an in-date FA accepted DBS enhanced check.
4. Whistle Blowing
We support The FA’s Whistle Blowing policy, encouraging anyone with concerns about an adult in a position of trust to contact The FA Safeguarding Team, go directly to the police, or seek advice from Children’s Social Care or the NSPCC.
5. Anti-Bullying
Bullying is recognized as a category of abuse and is not acceptable within our club. We have an anti-bullying policy to ensure incidents are dealt with appropriately. Serious cases may involve contacting the CFA Designated Safeguarding Officer.
6. Reporting Concerns
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility within the club. Concerns about a child must be reported to the Club Welfare Officer or a club committee member. The process includes managing poor practice, making referrals for serious concerns, ensuring immediate medical treatment if necessary, and keeping records of actions taken.
In the absence of the Club Welfare Officer or a committee member, or in serious cases, members can contact the CFA DSO, The FA’s Safeguarding Team, the police, Children’s Social Care, or the NSPCC.
Commitment to Safeguarding
The Whiteley Wanderers Youth Football Club Committee understands and accepts our collective responsibility to adhere to our safeguarding policy and procedures. We commit to ensuring our members are aware of and have access to our policies.
Signatories:
- Chairperson: Steven Davies (Signature & Date: 31/03/2021)
- Secretary: Rebecca Lovell (Signature & Date: 31/03/2021)
- Club Welfare Officer (Adult Teams): Ian Binks (Signature & Date: 31/03/2021)
Resources:
- The FA’s Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures are available on The FA website.
- The FA’s Safer Recruitment guidance is also available on The FA website.
